Ms Stefania Giannini is the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education. As the top UN official in this sector, she provides strategic vision and leadership, coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the Education 2030 Agenda, encapsulated in Sustainable Development Goal 4.

A noted linguist who has devoted her career to promoting education as a fundamental right, Ms Giannini has served as Rector of the University of Foreigners of Perugia (2004 to 2012) becoming one of the first and youngest women in Italy to hold this position. During these years, she coordinated international projects in higher education and research to foster university co-operation between Europe and other countries.

Later on, as the Senator of the Republic of Italy and Minister of Education, Universities and Research, she implemented structural reforms in education, centered on social inclusion and cultural awareness. She is also closely involved in an advisory capacity with the European Commissioner for Research and Innovation.